Party in my Pantry

Packaged snacks are often thought of as naughty foods, but some are healthier options than the regular stuff out there and super duper tasty. These are some of the goodies I reach for when I’m feeling snacky, but not too sinful: I use these as treats, not everyday fare, cause I’m a superhero most of the time. And when I’m not, this is what I enjoy playing with.

I love the blueberry and chocolate flavored granola bars. These are the ingredients in the blueberrybars: oats, wheat germ, blueberries, cranberries, coconut, brown rice syrup, canola oil, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, vanilla, salt. For the chocolatebars, ingredients are the same, except with chocolate instead of the fruit.Amazing! There is a place in Brentwood I go every few months, and they have these-yum city!

These smoothies are 100 calories per serving, vegan, and they have veggies and probiotics. To make them, you just add two heaping tablespoons to a cup of water and shake it up. Easy and healthy! My favorite flavors are choc-a-lot and vanilla almondilla. I use these every once in a while. If I’m working out a ton and running like a mad woman and not finding time to take care of self and prepare breakfast, these are a good standby. You can get them in my Open Sky store!

These snacks look and taste like nuts, but they are actually seeds. Eaten by the ancient Incans, they are high in Omega-3, fiber, and antioxidants, plus they’re a complete protein. The natural flavor contains only sacha inchi seeds and organic sea salt. Super healthy! Eden Dried Montmorency Cherries

These tart treats are free of sugar or sulfites. Ingredients are cherries, organic apple juice concentrate, and organic safflower oil. They’re a great addition to your favorite trail mix, or you can just eat them on their own.

My husband loves these dry-roasted, organic almonds from Eden. They’re flavored with organic tamari (wheat-free soy sauce), and they come in a resealable package, whichmakes them easy to take on the go.

Ok, so you shouldn’t sit around eating chips all day, but if you’re going to snack on them, these are pretty darn healthy. They only have three ingredients: potatoes, vegetable oil, and sea salt. Not superhero, but pretty good! If you are a chip eater,this is a better choice. But I like to keep myself away from these kinds ofthings. And when I indulge, I appreciate the deliciousness. And then I’m happy to go back to my superhero ways.

Queso is well-known to all you Texans, and finally, there’s a vegan version! Food For Lovers Vegan Queso is a spicy, cheesy dip that’s great with chips or on top of your fave vegan nachos. You can get it at Whole Foods and other specialty stores, or you can order online. Really good!

Those are just a few of my current packaged favorites! What snacks do you love?